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News Releases and Media Advisories

Election Day Reminders for Media

Chief Electoral Officer Reviews Legal Provisions Affecting Media
Covering the 41st General Election

OTTAWA, Monday, April 18, 2011

  • On election day, until the last polls close in all electoral districts, the Canada Elections Act prohibits the dissemination of:
  • Election advertising posted on the Internet before election day does not need to be withdrawn, but it cannot be amended once the blackout period has begun.
  • Media representatives are not permitted at polling stations on election day and must not impede the free movement of electors.
  • If the location allows, media may film or photograph from the doorway of a polling site as long as they do not disturb electors or compromise the secrecy of the vote. Media are asked to arrange this in advance with the local returning officer.
  • An exception may be granted for pool media to cover registered party leaders or candidates in those same ridings if the media have requested authorization in advance from the Chief Electoral Officer. For information on authorized pool media, contact Elections Canada Media Relations. The deadline to apply is April 22. The form is available here.
  • Hard copies of the poll-by-poll results will be available after validation, which takes place between one and seven days after election day. Media can obtain a hard copy of poll-by-poll results, in person or by fax, by providing their contact information to the local returning officer before election day.

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Elections Canada is an independent body set up by Parliament.

Information:
Elections Canada Media Relations
1-877-877-9515
or at www.elections.ca